What’s life without music? And what’s music without instruments? At Annacis-Lock Up Storage, we understand how valuable musical instruments are and the importance of proper storage to keep them in pristine condition. If you’re a collector of musical instruments or are keeping some safe to pass down to future generations, our facilities have you covered. Here’s how you can safely store your instruments in a self-storage unit in Vancouver:
Why is Proper Storage Crucial for Musical Instruments?
For starters, musical instruments are expensive and for many people, they hold a lot of personal value. The lifespan of an instrument heavily relies on proper storage and when taken care of properly, they can last a lifetime (or more). As instruments are made from a variety of materials, from wood and metal to leather and porcelain, they can be very sensitive to weather conditions. Fluctuating temperatures, humidity levels, and placement must be considered for optimal self-storage.
4 Tips for Storing Your Musical Instruments
When storing your musical instruments and equipment, it’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They should inform you how to best clean and store your model of instrument to help increase its lifetime. Additionally, you should keep the following self-storage tips in mind:
1. Rent a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit
Musical instruments are incredibly sensitive to temperature changes, humidity fluctuations, and prolonged exposure to extreme heat and cold. These conditions can have devastating effects on musical instruments, such as mold and mildew growth, warping, cracking, and other severe structural issues. As such, when storing your musical instruments – especially for the long-term – you want to take advantage of climate-controlled storage units in Vancouver.
A climate controlled self-storage unit will keep your instruments in perfect shape while out of use. Also, if you’re storing musical equipment such as amplifiers, DJ mixers, tuners, and other electronic components, a climate-controlled unit can prevent premature damage from occurring. To keep your instruments in perfect shape, opt for climate-controlled storage in Vancouver that offers interior heating and cooling.
2. Store in Original Cases
When you buy a musical instrument, it typically comes with a case that has been designed and manufactured to be the perfect fit. If you still have the original case for your instrument, or can purchase a compatible hard case, make sure you use it when storing. It will not only prevent physical damage to your musical instrument, but it will also protect it from harmful UV rays and keep insects out.
For long-term storage, check the case’s interior to make sure it’s clean and free of damage. While most cases come with built-in padding, you can double up by layering acid-free paper in between the instrument and case. This will prevent scratches and residue build-up.
3. Properly Clean and Condition the Instruments
Just like you wouldn’t store dirty linens in your self-storage unit, unkept instruments are also a no-go. When you’re preparing your instruments for storage in Vancouver, give them a thorough clean and condition beforehand. For wood instruments such as saxophones, flutes, and clarinets, take them apart, remove any reeds and mouthpieces, and give them a thorough cleaning. When storing guitars, violins, and other stringed instruments, relax the strings and remove any dust buildup. For drum sets, a good conditioning with oil is recommended before storage.
4. Place Your Instruments in Self-Storage
Once they’re all prepped and ready to go, it’s time to move your musical instruments into your storage unit. For optimal storage, consider renting shelves or bringing your own to keep the instruments off the floor. This is especially important for instruments that are sensitive to temperature changes as the coldest air is near the ground. Shelves are also preferred over leaning instruments against a wall or other items to prevent tipping. Lastly, never stack heavy musical instruments on top of other items. It’s not worth the risk of them falling out of place and experiencing extensive damage.
Looking For Storage in Vancouver?
When you move your instruments into storage, choose a facility that prioritizes the safety and security of your investments. Annacis-Lock Up Storage understands the unique needs of musicians – and their instruments. Our climate-controlled, highly secure storage units in Vancouver are the perfect place to keep musical instruments in pristine condition. Contact our friendly staff today to learn more about your self-storage options at Annacis!